Ringo Starr - Ringo 5.1 - The Surround Sound Collection (review)
Ringo Starr - Ringo 5.1 - The Surround Sound Collection (2 Discs; Koch; KOC-CD-4496)
reviewed by Michael Macomber
On this compilation of tracks from recent solo albums, Ringo Starr offers up a heapin’ helpin’ of The Big Jangle. And honestly, who better? As one quarter of the band that practically invented The Big Jangle, he’s entitled. Songs such as “Fading In And Fading Out” and “Choose Love” are bound to bring a wistful smile to the face of any Fab Four fan.
“Choose Love” in particular is a tip toe through the tulips of Starr’s past. Peppered with lyrical references from various Beatle tunes and infused with the kind of great big sound that characterized the group’s last couple of LPs, it’s a bit gimmicky, but still quite pleasing. The equally nostalgic “Give Me Back Your Beat” recalls a lot of Starr’s country flavored Beatle sides, and is propelled by an irresistible hook.
“Don’t Hang Up,” a duet with Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, has a slightly experimental edge, and a strong dose of Starr’s patented quirkiness. The sweet ballad “Imagine Me There” takes a more serious tone, proving Starr can handle the full range. His vocals are strong, his lyrics are moving, and the emotion is right on. “Memphis In Your Mind” is a rollicking tribute to the coolness of vintage rock and roll, not to mention a gentle reminder of where Starr is coming from. The rockabilly beat that inspired him way back when is clearly still a vital element in his work.
Owners of DVD-Audio players can enjoy Surround Sound mixes of all these tunes, as well as a bonus track, “I Really Love Her.” High-tech extras aside, Ringo 5.1 remains a nifty little collection. Starr proves time and time again that he can still rock, roll, and boogaloo with the best of them.
